Kanwal Rekhi, an Indian immigrant turned tech pioneer known across North America for his entrepreneurial influence, mentorship and industry impact, commemorated the Canadian launch of his new book, “The Ground Breaker,” in Ottawa, Canada on Tuesday, June 2. The launch was accompanied by a business gala dinner, hosted by TiE Ottawa, the international organization Rekhi helped co-found in 1992, from 6-9 p.m. at the Irish Hill Golf and Country Club.
Rekhi’s “The Ground Breaker” is an inspirational account of his life that helped define a generation of Indian entrepreneurs and is a call to action for dreamers, doers, and those brave enough to bet on themselves. Blending lessons in resilience, leadership, innovation and purpose, it is an intimate account of triumph over hardship and urges the next generation of changemakers to rise and act.
His journey reflects the rise of modern India and offers a deeply personal view of U.S.-India relations, past and present. Dubbed the “Godfather of Silicon Valley’s Indian Mafia” by Fortune and credited with helping build an early cornerstone of the internet, he rose through the tech industry alongside household names like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison. Later, he advised presidents and prime ministers on culture-shifting policies and is widely recognized for inspiring and launching the careers of thousands of entrepreneurs, many of whom have become millionaires and even billionaires.
“‘The Ground Breaker’ was an attempt to make sense of the cultural factors that shaped my journey, in hopes that what I was able to achieve might inspire others to follow their dreams. I was granted admission during an era when America realized it needed immigrants to compete in the world. Now the U.S. has turned inward and is restricting access, and my story is a reminder that immigrants not only contribute to the economy but also create jobs and opportunities for thousands of Americans,” said Rekhi. “In order to compete in an ever-globalized world, the U.S. and Canada should continue to work with Indians so that all three countries can thrive. My story is a firsthand look at the digital era and why democracy is essential to entrepreneurship. Launching in Canada, especially in Ottawa where tech, policy and immigrant talent converge, shows how closely our ecosystems are linked and reiterates that we are stronger when we connect ideas across our borders.”
Rekhi’s memoir draws on his experience in previous roles to explore the shaky yet interdependent relationships among the U.S., India, China, and Russia, and how competition and alliances may evolve in the future, especially between the U.S. and India. Further, he explains why the cooperation of the world’s oldest and largest democracy is crucial to the continued global power balance.
To learn more about Rekhi and “The Ground Breaker”, visit the website here.
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